The Chiropractic Wellness Model as a Complement to Prosthetic Care

Limb loss compromises the structural component of the body. Whether the loss is an upper or lower limb, there is a change in spinal, pelvic, and even cranial biomechanics. The chiropractic wellness model can improve outcomes for individuals with limb loss. As a complement to prosthetic care, chiropractic care can address postural and biomechanical issues, can improve activities of daily living (ADL), and alleviate pain. The chiropractic model can evaluate and treat the spinal, pelvic, limb, and cranial-kinematic dysfunction, or "subluxation," that occurs. This subluxation complex can occur in any joint articulation. For example, for individuals with lower-limb loss it is imperative to evaluate and treat femoral, sacroiliac (SI) joint, lumbosacral, and opposite-limb subluxation to ensure proper whole-body biomechanics. In upper-limb cases, it is important to consider acromioclavicular, scapular, thoracic rib, and facet subluxation, as well as cervical and dorsal dysfunction. Our practice uses activator, Thompson, and craniosacral protocols to treat structural and postural asymmetry that leads to spinal, pelvic, and limb subluxation. The subluxation is detected by a reflex analysis based on proprioceptive input from the central and peripheral nervous system. The correction of the subluxation results in improved motion, increased vascular flow, and decreased pain in the impacted joint and surrounding soft tissue. Activator chiropractic adjustments employ a handheld, spring-loaded device that delivers a directed force into the subluxated joint to restore proper motion and alignment. This method of chiropractic adjustment relies on leg-length comparison to determine the location of the joint involved and to evaluate the pelvic and spinal function. It can be used to treat a patient with a lower-limb amputation by having the patient wear his or her prosthesis during the exam. Thompson chiropractic treatment uses a pneumatic drop table to evaluate and treat spinal and pelvic subluxation. The drop mechanism is used to restore normal biomechanical motion to the subluxated joint, which leads to improved postural symmetry and body alignment. Achieving postural symmetry may be important not only in improving range of motion and encouraging prosthetic wear, but also in helping to minimize overcompensation injury to the non-involved limb. Another beneficial therapeutic option involves clinical neurodynamics. Developed from new understandings in the field of neuroscience, this relatively new treatment protocol incorporates the use of body movement to produce mechanical effects in the peripheral nervous system with central influence. Findings show that the entire nervous system is a continuous unit that moves and slides in the body. These movements, known as sliders and tensioners, impact blood flow to the nerve bed, scar-tissue formation, and inflammation around the nerve bed. To understand neurodynamics, imagine flossing your teeth, which removes debris between the teeth. In much the same way, the exercises used in neurodynamic treatment move the nerve in tiny increments to relieve adhesion, scar tissue, etc. Each of these treatments can be used alone or integrated with other therapies. For example, mirror therapy, a holistic approach to treating phantom-limb pain, can be integrated harmoniously with chiropractic care. (Editor's note: For more information, read "Mirror May Relieve Phantom Pain," at articles/news_2007-11-27_01.asp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.oandp.com/articles/news_2007-11-27_01.asp ) It is my hope that this information gives the prosthetist, limb-loss rehabilitation team, and the patient a better understanding of how the chiropractic model can complement prosthetic care and provide potential for improved outcomes through proper biomechanics. Randall Kloor, DC, is the owner of Kloor Chiropractic & Wellness Center. He has been in practice with his wife Patricia Kloor, DC, in Westminster, Colorado, for 28 years. He can be contacted at linkEmail('starkloor','msn.com');

The Chiropractic Wellness Model as a Complement to Prosthetic Care

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The Chiropractic Wellness Model as a Complement to Prosthetic Care

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Ottobock Returns as OPAF Gold Sponsor

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Certified Prosthetist / Prosthetist-Orthotist (CP/CPO) Gates Prosthetics + Mobility Clinic — Mountain Home, AR

Clinic Manager – Certified Prosthetist Orthotist (CPO) – Rogers, AR

CPO

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